The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a fresh charge against Godwin Emefiele, former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). 

In the four-count charge, the anti-graft agency accused Emefiele of approving the printing of N684,590,000 notes at the rate of N18.96 billion.

In the fresh charge filed, the commission alleged that Emefiele broke the law with intent to harm the public during his implementation of the naira swap policy under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The agency also accused the former CBN governor of unlawfully approving the withdrawal of N124.8 billion from the consolidated revenue fund of the federation.

The former CBN governor is expected to be arraigned on these counts before Maryann Anenih, judge of a federal capital territory (FCT) high court, on April 30.

This would be the third criminal case pending against Emefiele. On November 17, 2023, Emefiele was arraigned before Hamza Muazu, a judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) high court, on a six-count charge of procurement fraud, to which he pleaded not guilty.

The charge has since been amended to 20 counts bordering on alleged criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy to commit forgery, procurement fraud and conspiracy to commit a felony.

On April 8, the EFCC also arraigned the former CBN governor, alongside one Henry Omoile, an official of the apex bank, before Rahman Oshodi of the special offences court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos over an alleged $4.5billion and N2.8 billion fraud.

The Federal Government has launched a new platform aimed at strengthening the efficiency and transparency of its import duty exemption programme.

The Incentive Monitoring and Evaluation Platform (IMEP) will be integrated into the existing Import Duty Exemption Certificate (IDEC) programme, according to Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun.

The IDEC programme offers strategic import duty reductions for priority sectors critical to national development, such as manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare.

The introduction of IMEP signifies the government’s commitment to ensuring these exemptions are used effectively to stimulate economic growth.

“The newly launched IMEP ensures that only eligible entities benefit from the IDEC program,” Edun explained in Abuja on Tuesday.

“This rigorous enforcement will optimise tax expenditures by reducing waste, blocking leakages, and ultimately fostering a more equitable economic environment,” he added.

The IMEP offers a suite of features designed to enhance transparency and accountability within the IDEC program. These features include: automated claw-back mechanism which ensures that any entity found to be misusing exemptions will be required to repay the import duties they avoided.

Others include real-time e-reporting where stakeholders will benefit from immediate access to electronic reports, streamlining the verification process and a centralized database with a comprehensive database designed to improve efficiency and provide a clear picture of how exemptions are being utilized.

The government sees the IMEP as a critical tool for ensuring tax breaks are strategically allocated to maximise their economic impact. “IMEP’s precise monitoring capabilities will allow for a more strategic allocation of exemptions,” Edun noted. “This will ultimately support the government’s objective of reducing tax expenditures overall.”

To acquaint stakeholders with the upgraded IDEC framework, the Ministry of Finance will be hosting a webinar on Thursday, April 25th, 2024, at noon WAT.

This session will provide key industry participants, including manufacturers, importers, representatives from relevant government ministries, and NGOs, with an opportunity to learn more about the IMEP’s features and the benefits it offers.

Those interested in attending the webinar can find registration details on the Ministry of Finance’s website and the IDEC YouTube channel.

The launch of the IMEP signifies the government’s ongoing efforts to promote a more efficient and equitable business environment in Nigeria.

By ensuring that import duty exemptions are used strategically and effectively, the government aims to bolster economic growth while minimizing wasteful spending.

[TheNation]

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has frozen over 300 accounts suspected to be involved in criminal foreign exchange (FX) transactions.

Mr Ola Olukoyede, the chairman of the anti-graft agency disclosed this on Tuesday.

While addressing newsmen in Abuja, Olukoyede said that the commission has discovered another worse scheme other than crypto trading platform Binance and its system.

He said the scheme popularly called the “P to P” peer- peer financial trading scheme has operated outside the official banking and financial corridors.

The anti-corruption czar warned that the scheme could further crash the value of Naira value if decisive actions are not been taken immediately.

Olukoyede said, “There are people in this country doing worse than Binance. Over $15bn passed through one of the platforms in the last one year outside the financial regulations.”

The Federal Government is currently prosecuting Binance Holdings Limited and its two officials, Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, for alleged tax evasion and other crimes.

Security agents in Kenya last week arrested Anjarwalla, who fled Nigeria some weeks ago.

The commission had instituted five-count charges bordering on tax evasion, currency speculation and money laundering against Binance Holdings Limited, Tigran Gambaryan and Anjarwalla, the firm’s executives.

For months, the Nigerian government sustained its crackdown on Binance over its role in manipulating the country’s Foreign exchange market.

During the 293rd meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee, MPC, in February, the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, had said that more than $26 billion had been funnelled through Binance without a trace.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a further reduction of the price of diesel from 1200 to 1,000 naira per litre.

While rolling out the products, the refinery supplied at a substantially reduced price of N1,200 per litre three weeks ago, representing over 30 per cent reduction from the previous market price of about N1,600 per litre.

A statement by the organisation on Tuesday explained that the significant reduction in the price of diesel is expected to positively affect all strata of the economy and reduce the high inflation rate in the country.

Recall that while briefing newsmen following his homage visit to President Bola Tinubu for Eid-el-Fitr in Lagos, Dangote said there has been considerable economic progress recently, indicating that the country is on the right path.

Dangote stated that his refinery is offering diesel at N1,200, below the market rate of N1,650, and he believes this will contribute to lowering inflation in the country.

“I believe that we are on the right track. I believe Nigerians have been patient and I also believe that a lot of goodies will now come through. There’s quite a lot of improvement because if you look at it, one of the major issues that we’ve had was the naira devaluation that has gone very aggressively up to about N1,900.

“But right now, we’re back to almost N1,250, N1,300, which is a good reprieve. Quite a lot of commodities went up. When you go to the market, for example, something that we produce locally like flour, people will charge you more. Why? Because they’re paying very high diesel prices.

“Now, in our refinery, we started selling diesel at about N1,200 instead of N1,650 and I’m sure as we go along, things will continue to improve quite a lot.

“If you look at it now, when you are buying N1,650 or N1,700 for a litre of diesel, and that one has been cut off by almost two-thirds, you are now paying N1,200 for diesel.

“This can help to bring inflation down immediately. And I’m sure when the inflation figures are out for the next month, you’ll see that there’s quite a lot of improvement in the inflation rate,” Dangote said.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s inflation rate currently remains very high, standing at 31.70 as of February 2024, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The inflation was driven mainly by rising food prices and the removal of petrol subsidy by President Bola Tinubu in May 2023.

Also, in response, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has rolled out multiple monetary policies to reduce inflationary pressure in the country, including raising the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) – the benchmark interest rate – to 24.75%, the highest in decades.

The sum of N90 billion has allegedly been released by the federal government to subsidise the 2024 pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

A source at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) told Daily Trust that without this intervention, each of the intending pilgrims would have been requested to add at least N3.5 million to the initial fare which was pegged at N4.9 million.

The source told the publication;

“The forex crisis has caused a lot of problems. That is why the Hajj Commission has asked intending pilgrims to pay the extra amount of N1.9 million each. The commission actually needed N230 billion to sort out the fare differential caused by the forex crisis.

“The N90 billion support which was provided by the government was announced in the presence of reporters during the inauguration of the board and management of the Hajj Commission which was held at the Office of the Vice Presidency on February 28, 2024. But they (reporters) were asked not to report it. That was why no newspaper carried the report. Or did you see it in any reports? If the intending pilgrims pay ₦1.9 million, it is then it can be balanced.”

He added that NAHCON had also contacted state governors “to subsidise the hajj fare for the intending pilgrims in their respective states. Kano has responded by subsiding it by N500,000 for each pilgrim.

“By the previous calculation, the N90 billion given by the federal government can only subsidise 19,000 intending pilgrims by ₦3.5 million. But by spreading it on 50,000 pilgrims, it reduces it to N1.9 million; meaning that the federal government has subsidised each pilgrim by ₦1.6 million before each intending pilgrim was asked to add the remaining N1.9 million.”

A top official at the Presidency also confirmed that the federal government “actually provided some financial support for the hajj exercise”. The official said; 

“Of course, the federal government has offered support for the pilgrims because the pilgrims have been lamenting.

“Normally, any support that the government is giving to any faith, whether the Christian faith or the Muslim faith, the government does not like to announce it openly so that it will not appear as if the government is favouring on faith.”

As part of his administration’s effort to cut down the cost of governance, President Bola Tinubu has reportedly expressed willingness to auction three presidential Air Fleet.

The fleet currently consists of ten aircraft, six jets and four helicopters which will be reduced to seven if the planned action is carried out.

During President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, the proposal to sell two planes from the fleet was dashed.

In October 2016, a Dassault Falcon 7x executive jet and a Beechcraft Hawker 4000 business jet were offered for sale.

The preferred bidders who initially agreed to pay $ 24 million for the two aircraft, later reduced their offer to $ 11 million. This was rejected by the then government.

Thereafter, an arrangement to put some of the aircraft on chatter for willing governors was initiated to make the planes income-generating, thereby reducing the government expenses on maintenance.

The planes in the Presidential Fleet are Boeing Business Jets (BBJ) 737, Gulfstream G550, Gulfstream G500, two Falcon 7X, HS 4000, two Agusta 139, and two Agusta 101.

The BBJ 737 is the Nigerian Air Force One, which is used exclusively by the President.

It is designed to serve as an office and a residential quarter on air to enable the president to function effectively during his trip.

The President also uses one of the helicopters for shuttles during his trips around the country.

It could not be ascertained at the weekend if the President BBJ 737 will be sold and replaced.

The BBJ was bought for about $43 million during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo.

A Falcon and Embraer jets have been slated to be sold.

Not less than N80 billion has been budgeted for the PAF as maintenance cost, as follows: 2016 (N3.65 billion), 2017 (N4.37 billion), 2018 (N7.26 billion), 2019 (N7.30 billion), 2020 (N6.79 billion), 2021 (N12.55 billion), 2022 (N12.48 billion) and in 2023 about N25.7billion, made up of N13billion in the budget and N12.7billion in the 2023 Supplementary Budget.

The amount released from the budgetary line year on year could not be confirmed.

But President Tinubu is said to be uncomfortable with the rising cost of maintenance, hence his directive to reduce the fleet.

A top source according to The Nation who spoke in confidence, said, “The President is uncomfortable with the rising cost of maintaining the planes.

“Three planes have been pencilled down for disposal.

“The main reason is cutting down high maintenance costs.

“I think officers in PAF were particularly concerned about the frequency of maintenance and how much it costs the nation.

“The President decided to let off the aircraft that constitute the most burdensome.”

The burial ceremony for the 17 military personnel killed in Delta State is underway.

On March 14, military personnel comprising four officers, and 13 soldiers were gruesomely murdered by some irate youths in the Okuama community during a peace mission.

Here are their profiles as contained in the programme of events for the slain personnel’s burial.

Late Lieutenant Colonel Abdullahi Hassan Ali (N/12079) was born on 18 May 1975 in Kano and hailed from Fagge Local Government Area of Kano State. He had his primary education at Kuka Special Primary School, Fagge, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate. Thereafter, he proceeded to Government Senior Grammar School, Gwarzo, where he obtained his West African Secondary School Certificate. He then attended the College of Arts and Remedial Studies, Kano, before proceeding to Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science. The late senior officer enlisted into the Nigerian Army on 2 October 1996 and was later granted Short Service Combatant Commission on 17 December 2005 as a member of Short Service Course 34 in the rank of second lieutenant. He converted to Regular Combatant Commission effective 24 November 2010. He was of the Infantry Corps and rose to the rank lieutenant colonel on 17 November 2020 before his demise on 14 March 2024.

Late Major Daniel Ekwo Obi (N/14395) was born on 20 December 1985 in Niger State and hailed from Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State. He had his primary and secondary education at Atlas School, Lagos, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate as well as his Senior Secondary School Certificate.

He gained admission into the Nigerian Defence Academy on 8 July 2006 as a member of Regular Course 58, and was later granted Regular Combatant Commission on 17 September 2011 in the rank of second lieutenant. He was of the Nigerian Army Engineers before his inter-corps transfer was approved to the Infantry Corps. He rose to the rank of major on 8 July 2020 before his demise on 14 March 2024.

During his Bomb Disposal Course, he was dedicated, hardworking and displayed a good level of innovativeness. He contributed intelligently to discussions and showed good leadership traits on the Course. He also exhibited a commendable level of organization, focus and preparedness during his Young Officers’ Course (Engineers). He displayed a good understanding of military engineering and potential for development. While on Junior Course, he was eager to learn and displayed balanced knowledge of both Service and contemporary issues.

Late Major Salihu Danjuma Shafa (N/13976) was born on 27 March 1985 in Maiduguri and hailed from Hawul Local Government Area of Borno State.

He had his primary education at Shafa Primary School, Hawul, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate. Thereafter, he attended Government Senior Science Secondary School, Biu, where he obtained his Senior School Certificate. The late senior officer then proceeded to the University of Maiduguri where he acquired his Bachelor of Science Degree in Zoology. He was granted Short Service Combatant Commission on 6 April 2011 in the rank of second lieutenant and converted to Regular Combatant Commission on 23 August 2018. He was of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps and later transferred to the Infantry Corps on 6 April 2020. He rose to the rank of major on 6 November 2022 before his demise on 14 March 2024.

Late Captain Usman Zakari (N/16348) was born on 11 May 1989 at Keffi and hailed from Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State. He had his primary education at Army Children School Karshi, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate. Thereafter, he proceeded to Government Secondary School, Keffi, where he obtained his Secondary School Leaving Certificate. After which he attended the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa where he was awarded a Higher National Diploma in Marketing. He was granted Short Service Combatant Commission on 12 September 2015 as a member of Short Service Course 43 in the rank of second lieutenant. He was of the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport before his inter-corps transfer was approved to the Infantry Corps. He rose to the rank of captain on 3 January 2023 before his demise on 14 March 2024.

Late Staff Sergeant Yahaya Saidu was born on 14 October 1973 into the family of Alhaji Yahaya of Bebeji Town in Bebeji Local Government Area of Kano State. The late Staff Sergeant enlisted into the Nigerian Army on 19 July 1993 as a member of 36 Regular Intake and was subsequently posted to the Infantry Corps Centre Jaji. Late Staff Sergeant Yahaya served at 81 Bn and 181 Amphibious Battalion Bomadi, Delta State before his demise while on peace mission at Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State on 14 March 2024. The late soldier gallantly fought in Operation ORO III AZARE and DELTA SAFE.

Late Corporal Danbaba Yahaya was born on 12 August 1989 into the family of Alhaji Danbaba of Toro Town in Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State. The late Corporal enlisted into the Nigerian Army on 2 September 2010 as a member of 65 Regular Intake and was subsequently posted to the Infantry Corps Centre Jaji. Late Corporal Danbaba served at 145 Bn and 181 Amphibious Battalion Bomadi, Delta State before his demise while on peace mission at Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State on 14 March 2024. The late soldier gallantly fought in Operation LAFIYA DOLE and Operation DELTA SAFE.

Late Corporal Kabiru Bashir was born on 14 February 1990 into the family of Alhaji Bashir of Dala in Dala Local Government Area of Kano State.

The late Corporal enlisted into the Nigerian Army on 6 September 2011 as a member of 66 Regular Intake and was subsequently posted to the Infantry Corps Centre Jaji. Late Corporal Danbaba served at 3 Brigade Garrison and 181 Amphibious Battalion Bomadi, Delta State before his demise while on peace mission at Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State on 14 March 2024.

Late Lance Corporal Bulus Haruna was born on 15 July 1994 into the family of Mr Haruna in Kaduna North Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The late Lance Corporal enlisted into the Nigerian Army on 4 July 2016 as a member of 75 Regular Intake and was subsequently posted to the Nigerian Army Armour Corps, Bauchi. Late Lance Corporal Bulus Haruna served at 22 Armour Brigade Garrison and 181 Amphibious Battalion Bomadi, Delta State before his demise while on peace mission at Okuama community.

Late Lance Corporal Sole Opeyemi was born on 31 December 1993 into the family of Mr Sole in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State. The late Lance Corporal enlisted into the Nigerian Army on 10 June 2017 as a member of 76 Regular Intake and was subsequently posted to the Infantry Corps Centre, Jaji. Late Lance Corporal Sole Opeyemi served at 195 Battalion and 181 Amphibious Battalion Bomadi, Delta State before his demise while on peace mission at Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State on 14 March 2024. The late soldier participated gallantly in Operation LAFIYA DOLE and Operation DELTA SAFE.

Late Lance Corporal Abdullahi Ibrahim was born on 13 July 1999 into the family of Alhaji Ibrahim in Saki Local Government Area of Oyo State. The late Lance Corporal enlisted into the Nigerian Army on 23 April 2018 as a member of 77 Regular Intake and was subsequently posted to the Nigerian Army Armour Corps, Bauchi. Late Lance Corporal Abdullahi Ibrahim served at 221 Battalion and 181 Amphibious Battalion Bomadi, Delta State before his demise while on peace mission at Okuama.

Late Lance Corporal Bello Anas was born on 17 April 1999 into the family of Alhaji Bello in Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The late Lance Corporal enlisted into the Nigerian Army on 23 April 2019 as a member of 78 Regular Intake and was subsequently posted to the Infantry Corps Centre, Jaji. Late Lance Corporal Bello Anas served at 199 Special Forces Battalion and 181 Amphibious Battalion Bomadi, Delta State before his demise while on a peace mission at Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State on 14 March 2024. The late soldier participated gallantly in Operation HADIN KAI and Operation DELTA SAFE.

Late Private Alhaji Isah was born on 7 September 1997 into the family of Alhaji Isah of Gadaka in Fika Local Government Area of Yobe State. The late Private enlisted into the Nigerian Army on 10 June 2017 as a member of 76 Regular Intake and was subsequently posted to the Infantry Corps Centre, Jaji. Late Private Alhaji Isah served at 181 Amphibious Battalion Bomadi, Delta State.

Late Private Hamman Peter was born on 13 September into the family of Mr Hamman in Maiduguri and his f Local Government Area of Taraba State. The late enlisted into the Nigerian Army on 23 April 2019 78 Regular Intake and was subsequently posted to the f Corps Centre, Jaji. Late Private Hamman Peter servod Amphibious Battalion Bomadi, Delta State before he while on peace mission at Okuama Community in Ughell Local Government Area of Delta State on 14 March 200 late soldier participated gallantly in Operation HADIN KM Operation DELTA SAFE.

Late Private Clement Francis was born on 7 September 1998 into the family of Mr Francis in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State. The late Private enlisted into the Nigerian Army on 23 April 2019 as a member of 78 Regular Intake and was subsequently posted to the Infantry Corps Centre, Jaji. Late Private Clement Francis served at 181 Amphibious Battalion.

Late Private Abubakar Ali was born on 25 May 1999 into the family of Alhaji Abubakar of Degubi Nagere in Potiskum local Government Area of Yobe State. The late Private enlisted into the Nigerian Army on 23 April 2019 as a member of 78 Regular Intake and was subsequently posted to the Infantry Corps Centre, Jaji. Late Private Abubakar Ali served at 63 Brigade Garrison and 181 Amphibious Battalion Bomadi, Delta State before his demise while on peace mission at Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State on 14 March 2024. The late soldier participated gallantly in Operation DELTA SAFE.

Late Private Adamu Ibrahim was born on 10 January 1998 into the family of Alhaji Adamu in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council Local Government Area of Borno State. The late Private enlisted into the Nigerian Army on 23 April 2019 as a member of 78 Regular Intake and was subsequently posted to the Infantry Corps Centre, Jaji. Late Private Adamu Ibrahim served at 181 Amphibious Battalion Bomadi, Delta State before his demise while on peace mission at Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State on 14 March 2024. The late soldier participated gallantly in Operation HADIN ΚΑΙ and Operation DELTA SAFE.

Late Private Adamu Ibrahim was born on 1 February 1998 into the family of Alhaji Adamu in Albasu Local Government Area of Kano State. The late Private enlisted into the Nigerian Army on 18 January 2021 as a member of 80 Regular Intake and was subsequently posted to the Infantry Corps Centre, Jaji. Late Private Adamu Ibrahim served at 181 Amphibious Battalion Bomadi, Delta State before his demise while on peace mission at Okuama.

The Defence Headquarters has declared 97 persons wanted for terrorism, violent extremism and secessionist threats against the state. 

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major Gen Edward Buba, confirmed the names and pictures of the people declared wanted in a statement released in Abuja on Friday night, March 22.

The wanted persons, terrorists/ bandits and insurgents commanders are from the North East, North West, North Central and South-East zones. The military authorities did not place any bounty on the wanted persons.

A breakdown of the wanted persons shows that 43 were declared wanted in North West Zone plagued by banditry, and kidnapping among others.

Some bandits/terrorists leaders include: Alhaji Shingi; Malindi Yakubu; Boka ; Dogo Gide; Halilu Sububu; Ado Aliero ; Bello Turji; Dan Bokkolo; Labi Yadi ; Nagala; Saidu Idris; Kachalla Rugga and Sani Gurgu.

In the North East plagued by Boko Haram and Islamic State for West Africa Province terrorists, 33 persons were declared wanted.

Among them are terrorists commanders, Abu Zaida; Modu Sulum; Baba Data; Ahmad; Sani Teacher; Baa Sadiq; Abdul Saad; Kaka Abi; Mohammad Khalifa; Umar Tella; Abu Mutahid; Mallam Mohammad; Mallam Tahiru Baga; Uzaiya and Ali Ngule.

In the North Central and South East 21 Insurgents/militants and violent criminals were declared wanted.

Others in the South East include Factional IPOB leader Simon Ekpa, Obiemesi Chukwudi aka Dan Chuk ; David Ezekwem Chidiebube and Amobi Chinonso Okafor aka Temple.

Kanunta Kanu, younger brother of Nnamdi Kanu, the embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has said Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor and Mike Ozekhome (SAN) received the whooping sum of $80,000 for Kanu’s case.

He disclosed this in a post on his official X handle on Wednesday night.

Kanunta Kanu’s revelation was a direct counter to Mr Ejiofor’s claim that the services he rendered to IPOB while serving as their lead counsel was Pro Bono.

Tori Media reported that Kanu’s family in May 2023 announced the immediate sack of Ifeanyi Ejiofor and Mike Ozekhome.

In a statement titled, ”Notice of Dismissal”, the family apparently informed the duo that their services was not longer needed.

Ozekhome’s alleged refusal to allow Kanu’s personal doctors access to him for the urgent ear surgery was cited by the family as part of reasons for the action.

Meanwhile, Barrister Ejiofor, since he was booted out of Kanu’s legal team, have been under serious scrutiny by the irate supporters of the separatist movement who accused him of sabotage.

In a statement on Monday, Ejiofor while trying to clear his name from any wrong doing said that since 2015 when he took over as Kanu’s lead counsel, he performed his duties diligently and maintained ethical standards.

Also, he said his legal doggedness led to the release of Nnamdi Kanu and other IPOB members in 2017 and 2018 respectively.

According to him, most of these legal fireworks was done on Pro Bono.

He said in the statement, “I have maintained a deliberate silence amidst the unfolding developments in the ongoing  hearing on Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case. However, due to recent compelling circumstances and for record purposes, I find it necessary to provide some clarifications. It is crucial for Biafrans and Ezigbo UmuChineke to take note of the following points:

“I joined Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s legal team in December, 2015 and eventually took on the role of Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s lead Counsel and also as the IPOB General/Lead Counsel in January, 2016.

“Since 2015, I have diligently performed my professional duties in defending Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB while upholding ethical standards.

Nigeria has lost about 15,000 to 16,000 doctors to the Japa syndrome (migration) in the last five years.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate, disclosed this on Sunday, March 10, when he appeared on Channels Television’s Politics Today. 

Pate said the brain drain syndrome has robbed the health sector of its best hands

The minister explained that there are 300,000 health professionals in Nigeria but only 55,000 of them are doctors. 

He said, “There are about 300,000 health professionals working in Nigeria today in all cadres. I am talking about doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, laboratory scientists and others. 

“We did an assessment and discovered we have 85,000 to 90,000 registered Nigerian doctors. Not all of them are in the country. Some are in the Diaspora, especially in the US and UK. But there are 55,000 licensed doctors in the country.

“The issue overall, in terms of health professionals, is that they are not enough. They are insufficient in terms of the skills mix. Can you believe most of the high skilled professional doctors are in Lagos, Abuja and a few urban centres? There is a huge distribution issue. 

“The population of doctor overall is about 7,600 doctors in Lagos and 4,700 or thereabout in Abuja. The doctor to population ratio in Abuja is 14.7 per 10,000 population. These are numbers that you can verify. In Lagos, it is about 4.6, even though the average is 2.2 by 10,000.

“There are huge distributional issues and they are, of course, the opportunities even for some of those who have been trained to get into the market. So you have to look at it from a perspective that is holistic. Not only doctors but other cadres that are important in the delivery of health care. For doctors, we have been losing many that have been trained.” 

Pate also said that Nigeria cannot afford to continue losing its best brains to the developed countries. 

He said: “Now to the Japa you talked about, it is not only limited to Nigeria. It is a global phenomenon. Other countries don’t have enough. They are asking to take more. It is not only in Nigeria. It is happening in India, Philippines and other parts of Africa. 

“In the last five years, we have lost about 15,000 to 16,000 and about 17,000 had been transferred. We’re barely managing. That’s why expanding their training will become logical. The same thing with nurses and midwives; they are also leaving. That’s why expanding the training is important to ensure those still around are well trained.

“But there are also thousands more, which is what I was trying to hint at, who are here. And despite the opportunity to travel abroad did not leave and we don’t appreciate them. I’ll give you an example. The head of the ICU at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, a very brilliant gentleman. I met him in December and he said, ‘Four of my colleagues have left’ and I asked to know why he has not left. He said ‘Look, this is my country. I want to serve because health is a sector where there’s inherent motivation in those who select to go in there.’ People don’t just go in there because they want to have a job. They go because they’re intrinsically motivated and we have to recognise and tap into that. 

“We are beginning to take steps to expand the training and work environment, taking some steps to encourage salaries and incomes commission to do certain things that will encourage them to feel at home. But even the issue of working hours that has come about recently, particularly for the junior doctors, is being addressed.”

He continued: “We are beginning to take steps to expand the training and work environment, taking some steps to encourage salaries and incomes commission to do certain things that will encourage them to feel at home. But even the issue of working hours that has come about recently, particularly for the junior doctors, is being addressed.

 This is because when some of their colleagues leave and they remain at home, the burden has not reduced. And so they work extremely hard. We’ve listened to that. We are looking at how we can alleviate that and with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, we are looking at how within the code of ethics and the guidelines for the physician to provide some safeguards to ensure they are treated as valuable assets so they are not burnt out.”

Odoh Eric Ocheme has been revealed as one of the suspects wanted for allegedly forging former President Muhammadu Buhari’s signature to effect the disbursement of $6,230,000 by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Naija News understands that Ocheme, who served as Emefiele’s personal assistant, is wanted by the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Recall that the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, testified before a Federal High Court in Abuja that no fund was meant for the payment of foreign election observers.

Mustapha said the apex bank leadership forged the former President’s and his own signatures to process the payment.

Following the development, the Special Investigator appointed by President Bola Tinubu to probe the CBN under the former Governor, Godwin Emefiele, Jim Obazee, swung into action to unravel the payment.

In February, Obazee had asked Interpol to place three suspects on its watchlist over the $6,230,000 payment. The suspects were Ocheme, Adamu Abubakar, and Imam Abubakar.

Emefiele was also indicted over the alleged fraudulent payment. He is currently facing a 20-count criminal charge preferred against him by the EFCC.

Ocheme is one of those being investigated over alleged fraud in the apex bank. The EFCC recently declared him, Margaret, Emefiele’s wife, Anita Joy Omoile, and Jonathan Omoile wanted for alleged money laundering.

Profile Of Ocheme

Born on May 16, 1981, in Markudi, Benue state capital, Ocheme studied economics at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Before his tertiary education, he attended ECWA Secondary School in Markurdi.

According to TheCable, Ocheme, an associate of Emefiele, is one of the directors of Ricrem Limited and Beustone Nigeria Limited, which provides services for agricultural production.

The company, which was registered in February 2012, is inactive on the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) website, which means that the company has not filed its annual returns up to date.

Those listed as directors of the company are Ocheme, Raymond Sunday Odoh, Livingstone Ocheme Onukwue, and Elliott Ocheme Nwandu.

The second company, Beustone, was established on May 5, 2009. It is also inactive on the CAC website. Ocheme, Livingstone Onukwue, Beulah Ali, and Josephine Odoh are listed as directors.

Ocheme married Chinenyeze Ozioma Okoro in February 2021 in Owerri, Imo state.
The wedding ceremony, which took place at St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Irete, Owerri West LGA, was attended by top politicians and personalities, including Emefiele.

After 54 years, General Yakubu Gowon makes a shocking confession on live TV, admitting he started the Nigerian-Biafran Civil War.

In a revealing statement, Gowon opens up about the misconceptions surrounding the war’s origins, surprising many with the revelation that he initiated the conflict as the Nigerian Head of State.

This confession sheds new light on the historic event, challenging previous beliefs and highlighting the complexities of the war’s narrative. including the crimes against women and children.

Mr Gowon who ruled Nigeria between 1966 and 1975 made the admission that he Started Civil War while addressing newsmen after he visited President Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday

The former Head of State told President Bola Tinubu not to be worried about the criticisms of Nigerians on his performance since he assumed office in May 2023.

He said that as a former leader of the country, he also faced the same situation when he started the Civil War in 1967, which many Nigerians thought would destroy the country but his government succeeded.

Gowon also begged Nigerians to give President Tinubu more time to solve the socioeconomic problems in the country.

He said, “I was telling him that there’s no Nigerian leader that can get there, that will not get all of these; all that is being said about him.

“But certainly, there is no doubt about all what one has heard and seen from various media. I think the government is trying its best to deal with the various problems of the country.

“But with Nigerians, don’t you worry you will get criticised, but people who get there know better than you know. I think all one can say to Nigerians is that they have to give the President time to get things really done and it is too early to sort of say perfect result will be achieved. That is my opinion.

“At least, if I remembered, I was told that I was too slow, fighting the war and that probably Nigeria would not make it and that we should seek for discussion. Well, did we do it or not? They probably did not know the problem there on the ground there.

The late Odumegwu Ojukwu always asked Gowon to speak the truth about who started the war. Well, Nigerians heard it, finally!

Gowon also said, “I think all one can say to Nigerians is that they have to give the president time to get things really done and it is too early to sort of say perfect results will be achieved. That is my opinion.”

Last year, Mr Gowon dismissed the Nigerian Civil War that claimed close to three million lives “a little fracas.”

Former President Muhammadu Buhari, who fought on the side of the Nigerian Army against the Biafran agitators, estimated the number of those killed during the Civil War to be over one million.

The Nigeria-Biafra war broke out in 1967 following the South-East’s secession from Nigeria. The war lasted over 30 months, ending in 1970. But agitation for secession still lingers in the South-East.

An estimated three million people were reportedly killed during the war, many rounded up by Nigerian soldiers and shot at close range while hundreds of thousands were starved to death.

Although the war was not properly documented, several accounts with substantial corroboration indicated how Nigerian soldiers massacred Igbo civilians in Asaba, Onitsha, and Enugu, amongst other communities in the region.

With the introduction of 15 air-conditioned 60-seater luxury buses fitted with free wi-fi in Abuja yesterday, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike has begun a repositioning process for intra-city transport needs of Abuja residents, the Director of FCT’s ‘Transport For Abuja’ project, Dr. Yakubu Terry has said.

Speaking during the inauguration of the initial batch of 15 buses that will ply various parts of the capital city under a public/private partnership (PPP) programme, Dr. Terry stated that under the FCT Minister, renewed hope is manifesting for urban mass transit.

During a brief ceremony at the Eagles Square, both Terry and the FCT’s Mandate Secretary for Transportation, Mr. Uboku Nyah emphasised that with the ‘Transport For All’ (TFA) project, the FCT has commenced a secure, convenient and affordable transportation that is for all Nigerians across various locations in the city.

“Our vision for transport for Abuja is not just about buses and routes, it’s a commitment to building a connected, sustainable, and efficient transportation system that will elevate the quality of life for every resident. We envision a city where commuting is seamless, where people can rely on a modern and reliable transit system, and where transportation becomes a facilitator of progress.

“To turn this vision into reality, ‘Transport for Abuja’ has devised a strategic plan that focuses on key city areas and their environs and by connecting the dots efficiently. We aim to create a web of convenience that thread through the fabric of Abuja; our strategy is not just about the number of buses on the road, it’s about creating a comprehensive and accessible network that serves the diverse needs of our community.

“We will prioritize lucrative routes and leverage technology to optimize routes, reduce wait times, and enhance the overall commuting experience; as we strive for efficiency. A crucial aspect of our strategy is the introduction of cutting-edge digital payment offerings,” he said.

According to Terry, passengers’ convenience is paramount and the introduction of various digital payment methods and user-friendly mobile apps, will ensure that passengers can effortlessly purchase tickets and thereby eliminate the need for physical cash, reduce transaction time and speed up the boarding process with seamless and efficient experience for valued riders.

Aside from the free onboard wi-fi and air-conditioning for passengers, Terry said the buses are equipped with live surveillance features for passenger safety.

According to an official, Mr. Roy Kweku, who conducted government officials, including Zacharia Nyampa and other members of the House of Representatives on a short intra-city tour, the goal of TFA is to use innovative methods and ICT towards transforming urban transportation experience for Nigerians with a vision for more efficient, highly reliable, accessible and secure transportation system that can help towards improving citizens’ lives.

If members of the House of Representatives have their way stop sports betting said to be a pastime of 60 million young Nigerians may soon become a thing of history in the country.

This followed a resolution by Rep. Kelechi Nwogu (PDP-Rivers) at the plenary in Abuja on Thursday.

The lawmaker had in the resolution complained that the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) is weak or has neglected regulations of sports betting in the country.

He said this have given rise to mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety and addiction.

Nwogu added that it had also led to strain or broken relationships due to lying or stealing from friends and family, financial problems, legal issues, and job loss due to excessive loss or debt.

“Betting has given rise to increased crime rate and eventual suicide,” he said.

He harped on the need for campaigns to prevent the negative social impact of lottery and underage participation.

Adopting the motion, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to conduct comprehensive nationwide campaign to raise public awareness about the negative impact of youth participation in sports betting.

The House also mandated the Committee on Inter–Governmental Affairs to conduct a Public Hearing on the dangerous effects of sports betting in Nigeria.

It urged the committee to report back to it within four weeks for further legislative action.

The National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF) has revealed that over 65 million Nigerians actively engage in betting, spending an average of 15 dollars daily.

NLTF also said Nigerians spend an estimated 975 million dollars daily on online sports betting, which amounts to about 356 billion dollars annually.

It was estimated that about 60 million Nigerians aged between 18 and 40 engage in sports betting.

Many young Nigerians also engaged in sports betting to get succour from the hardship in the country

The NLTF lists 58 betting companies approved to operate in Nigeria on its website.
NAN